Gujarat Giants captain Beth Mooney made a forgettable start to her Women’s Premier League career. The Australian star won the toss and opted to pitch first against the Mumbai Indians at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy. The decision fell through as MI ended up scoring 207 runs in 20 overs from her.
Beth Mooney came out to start the innings for the Giants, but suffered an injury before scoring her first run. The Gujarat captain limped off the field and retired injured. She did not play in the second match against the UP Warriorz as Sneh Rana served as alternate captain.
Giants coach Rachel Haynes provided a negative update on Beth Mooney after the game.
“I feel like we may have to replace (Beth) Mooney. The scans that came out today didn’t look so good. The medical team will review the scans and take the last call.”
The giants are set to play three games in the next eight days. Team management will have to make a call regarding Beth Mooney soon as they may lose some big points in the upcoming games.
Under the rules, the franchise is allowed to sign an unsold player from the 2023 WPL auction as a replacement for Beth Mooney.
Here are three players Gujarat could consider if they wish to sign a replacement.
#1 Danielle Wyatt
It was shocking to see Danielle Wyatt unsold at the 2023 WPL Auction. The England all-rounder has played 143 T20Is, scoring 2,369 runs and busting 46 wickets. She was a member of the England squad that participated in the T20 Women’s World Cup earlier this year.
Wyatt opened the batting for England Women with Sophia Dunkley and played some decent shots. Her best performance came against Pakistan Women, where she hit a 33-ball 59. The Giants can reunite the pairing of Dunkley and Wyatt if they sign the latter as a replacement.
#2 Laura Wolvardt
Another surprising name that did not sell at the auction was that of Laura Wolvaardt. The South African star played a key role in her team’s journey to the final of the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup. Wolvaardt finished the tournament as the leader in runs.
In six matches, the elegant batsman scored 230 runs, smashing three half centuries, including a knockout of 61 in the final against Australia. Since Wolvaardt plays starter, he could be a similar replacement for Beth Mooney.
#3 Esha Oza
The Giants can pull off a coup by signing rising star from the United Arab Emirates Esha Oza as a replacement for Beth Mooney. Oza has added over 1,000 runs and picked 30 wickets in 46 T20I matches. She has registered two hundred and four out of fifty.
Most importantly, Oza is an associate national player, which means Gujarat can pick her in the playing XI along with four other foreigners. Given how weak Gujarat’s Indian department looks on paper, signing Oza could do wonders for the franchise.